Misfire causes small fire during Sugar Fest fireworks

Published 8:00 pm, Monday, June 21, 2010

By TRACI L. WEISENBACH

Tribune Staff Writer

SEBEWAING — The Saturday fireworks show here entertained thousands, but also left them puzzled as there was about a 15-minute break in the action prior to the grand finale. A fire whistle in the middle of the break ignited more questions — what happened to the Sugar Festival fireworks show?

Matt Bumhoffer, Sebewaing fire chief, said a misfire of one of the firework shells caused a small fire, which was quickly extinguished by the fire department. The department was on site during the show for safety purposes. No one was injured during the misfire.

Bumhoffer said the fire whistle had nothing to do with the fireworks misfire. The fire department was called to do a lift assist at an apartment building. Sebewaing Ambulance needed help getting a resident out of the building for medical assistance, he said.

Dennis Kundinger, chairperson of the Michigan Sugar Festival fireworks show, said misfires are rare. He said firework shells are supposed to go 600 feet or more into the air. A shell that blasts before it reaches this height is a misfire. The shell that misfired Saturday night didn’t travel much farther than the tree line, he said.

Kundinger said he is grateful for everyone who purchased raffle tickets to support the fireworks show. He said next year, there will be 500 tickets available, and each one will cost $40. He noted there will be 18 weeks worth of prizes to be given away. He said those interested in tickets can call him at (989) 883-2563.

Proceeds from the sale of the tickets support the fireworks show and purchase the prizes.